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Rally Friday night

The Park View All-Stars receive their official homecoming celebration Friday night in Chula Vista at a city-sponsored rally to celebrate the team's Little League World Series victory.

The event is scheduled to run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Devore Stadium on the campus of Southwestern College, 900 Otay Lakes Road, in Chula Vista. The team will arrive on Chula Vista Ladder Truck 57 dressed in their championship uniforms and displaying their championship pennant, but there is no parade.

Former Padres Phil Nevin and Randy Jones, former Padre broadcaster Bob Chandler and Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox will speak during the rally.

Gates open at 4 p.m., and the Castle Park and Bonita Vista high school marching bands, the Friar and the Pad Squad will entertain fans before the rally.

The public is advised to carpool and arrive early for best seating. Concessions will be available on site. City officials advise people not attending the rally to stay away from the area to avoid expected heavy traffic late Friday afternoon and evening.

More than 8,000 people showed up at the stadium to greet the team at 10 p.m. Monday when it arrived home from South Williamsport, Pa.

Mayor Cox has stated that her intention is to raise private funds to cover the estimated $35,000 cost of the event. More than $25,000 has come in, including a $10,000 donation from Rincon Band of Luisen~o Indians. Other top donors include the Viejas Band of Indians, Cox Communications, National University, Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center and Kleege Industries.